Eton Townhouse, London

This elegant stucco fronted villa in Belsize Park is currently being reimagined as a refined and comfortable family home. The project involves a comprehensive renovation of the existing house, including internal reconfiguration, restoration of key historic features, and the design of a new landscape strategy that re-establishes a stronger relationship between the house and its generous rear garden.

Set within Camden’s Eton Conservation Area, the house dates from the mid 19th century and forms part of a distinctive enclave developed on land granted to Eton College by King Henry VI in 1449. The area is characterised by its classical detailing, stucco façades and well-spaced villas, which were designed for the professional classes of Victorian London. Architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner described these houses as ‘rustic Italian’ in character, with window surrounds showing restrained Grecian detailing—qualities clearly visible at Eton House.

The proposed works include new living, kitchen and dining spaces on the raised ground floor, general refurbishment throughout, and the potential for extensions at basement and raised ground floor levels. These additions will be developed with sensitivity to the building’s character and conservation area setting, using a calm, cohesive palette that supports modern family life without overpowering the original structure.

The large garden, a rare asset in this part of London, will be reimagined to create a stronger visual and spatial connection with the house, using carefully composed planting and a more deliberate relationship between levels. The result will be a thoughtful and contextual transformation that respects the past while supporting the needs of contemporary living.